816.00 Revolutions/23: Telegram
The Minister in El Salvador (Curtis) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:30 p.m.]
108. Your 60, December 5, 1 p.m. My statement that Vice President Martínez took an active part in the revolution was not, I believe, based on unreliable evidence. He must, however, have had some knowledge beforehand and have refrained from action. Wednesday night, December 2, he was arrested and detained in the artillery barracks but was the choice of this regiment for the Presidency. He was well treated and still remains in the barracks. He conversed much with the officers leading the revolution, but I have absolutely no real proof that he advised them. I have been reliably informed that he gave orders Friday morning, December 4, before President Araujo had left the Republic, but when my informant was told that, President Araujo was in Guatemala. I cannot believe him to be innocent, but I have no real proof that he was involved.
The first designate is Salvador Lopez Rochak. He was chief of police. He is a brother-in-law of the President, whom he accompanied throughout these days. He is now in Guatemala.
[Page 186]The second designate, Emeterio Oscar Salazar, is rector of the University. He was chosen by the Military Directorate to be adviser to President Martínez, and he was there when I went to the artillery barracks on the morning of Thursday the 3d. He is now in San Salvador.
The third designate is Maximiliano Olano, President of the Legislative Assembly. He appears to have been, and to be now, out of the city, and to have taken no part whatsoever in the events of this week. According to every report, he has little strength, prominence, or popularity, and could not be expected to maintain himself in office, if he should become President.